Thales of Miletus

Born some time between 626 and 623 BC. Died some time between 548 and 545 BC (age ~78).

Thales of Miletus is recorded as the first Greek philosopher. He was regarded in his day as a scientist. His scientific exploits focussed primarily on astronomy: construction of an almanac, the prediction of eclipses, and navigation by stars.

Thales asserted that all matter was ultimately composed of a single element, and that that element is water. He developed this theory after noticing that the “nourishment of all things is moist”.

Thales may also have postulated that all things have souls as an explanation for magnetism. However, this interpretation is contested.

Thales’ contribution to philsophy is the question he asked, not the answer he put forth. He is the first recorded Greek to posit the ultimate nature of the world from a scientific/philosophical point of view, as opposed to a religious one. As such, he represents the beginning of a transition from myth to science.

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